ABSTRACT
The new business models move away from the linear economy approach of purchasing products, consuming them and being responsible for their maintenance, upgrade and disposal. Applying circular economy principles to the construction sector and buildings offers huge potential rewards. The overarching philosophy is to put thought into the destiny of the building and the legacy that it leaves for the next generation. Commercial buildings often depreciate over time until they have no residual value. By thinking about the potential life of a building and learning lessons from the buildings that have endured, designers can create buildings that are more flexible and adaptable, giving them a longer life. Alternatively, designers can deliberately design for a short lifetime and ensure that the elements of the building can be readily disassembled and reused at end-of-life. There is even the potential to design buildings that can be demounted and reassembled in new locations and reconfigured for new uses.
